Motor oil & fuel

Correct fueling of DENQBAR generators: Fuel and oil at a glance

Without fuel, no engine runs – time to refill! With your car, you know exactly what belongs in the tank, as the wrong fuel can have serious consequences. Just as important as the right fuel is the appropriate motor oil. It lubricates moving parts, cools, and cleans the engine. Given the variety of types and standards, however, it’s not always easy to keep track. This guide will help you find the appropriate operating fluids for your DENQBAR inverter generator and clearly explain what the most important labels and standards mean.

1. Fuel – Gasoline for DENQBAR generators

All DENQBAR DQ generators are designed to operate with gasoline. Gasoline-powered inverter generators are lightweight, mobile, and ideal for serving as a portable power source on trips and bridging sudden power outages. The advantage of these generators lies not only in their independence but also in their low noise output – a quiet generator is universally usable!

1.1. E10, 95 or 98?

In Germany, the typical fuels available at gas stations are premium E10, premium 95, and premium 98. These designations refer to the octane rating, which indicates the performance of the fuel. The higher the number, the better the fuel. Gasoline with an octane rating of 95 and above is referred to as premium.

Premium 95 is the most common type of gasoline and offers good value for money. This type is suitable for most gasoline engines and is a good choice for DENQBAR generators.

Premium 98 has a higher octane rating and thus offers better performance and cleaner combustion. However, it is also more expensive. Premium 98 is beneficial for the optimal performance of your generator but not absolutely necessary!

E10 is a more environmentally friendly option as it contains 10% bioethanol, which is derived from ecologically grown plants. When using E5, this proportion is 5%. E10 is usually cheaper than premium 95 and is often referred to as biofuel. Not every engine can handle E10, as the ethanol content can affect the fuel systems. However, this is not a concern for DENQBAR inverter generators, as they can run on any lead-free gasoline, as long as it is fresh, clean, and lead-free.

Tip: For optimal performance of DENQBAR inverter generators, we recommend using premium 95 or premium 98, just as it is recommended for most modern vehicles.

1.2. Lead-free?

In the EU, all commercially available gasoline has been lead-free since 2000, so the term "lead-free" in DENQBAR manuals does not refer to a specific type of fuel. If you still have gasoline from before 2000, we recommend using fresh fuel – over time, it has likely lost too much quality to serve as a suitable fuel for your generator.

1.3. Alkylate fuel

Alkylate fuel is a special, highly pure fuel that contains up to 99% fewer impurities than conventional gasoline. It is produced through a special refining process and is almost free of ethanol. One of its main advantages is its long shelf life – unlike regular gasoline, which loses its ignition power after a few months, alkylate fuel remains stable for 3 to 5 years.

Its long shelf life makes it ideal for garden tools and equipment that are only used occasionally, as the fuel can remain in the tank for a longer period. Although the more expensive alkylate fuel doesn't replace regular maintenance, it saves you time and effort, especially if you only use your DENQBAR gasoline generator occasionally. 4-stroke alkylate fuel, such as ASPEN 4, is perfectly suitable for DENQBAR inverter generators.

Important: There are two types of alkylate fuel – for 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. Since all DENQBAR generators are equipped with 4-stroke engines, the 4-stroke variant must be used. The 2-stroke alkylate fuel is not suitable and will damage the engine.

2. Motor oil – So your DENQBAR generator runs smoothly

Motor oil is crucial for the operation and lifespan of the engine. The correct oil level prevents damage and ensures that the inverter generator runs smoothly. There are a variety of motor oils with different properties, which can make the selection a bit complicated. But don't worry – with the right understanding of the labels, you can easily choose the right motor oil for your inverter generator.

2.1. Designations

Motor oil is classified according to various criteria, including the SAE classification and the API or ACEA standards.

SAE classification: This standard determines the viscosity of motor oils and their flow behavior at different temperatures. The number before the "W" (winter) indicates how cold-resistant the oil is: 0W remains liquid down to -40°C, 10W down to -30°C, 15W down to -25°C, and so on. The number after the "W" indicates the oil's stability at high temperatures – for example, W-40 stands for reliable lubrication up to 40°C. SAE 10W-40 motor oil is ideal for DENQBAR inverter generators – its cold flexibility and heat resistance make it stand out.

API classification: This provides information about the quality and suitability of the oil for different engine types. The first letter after "API" represents the engine type – for example, "S" stands for gasoline engines. The second letter indicates the oil quality: the higher the letter in the alphabet, the better the quality of the oil. API-SL is perfect for DENQBAR inverter generators.

ACEA classification: This guideline is the European counterpart to the American API standard. The first letter represents the engine type, while a higher number indicates the oil's performance level. ACEA A3/B4 is an excellent choice for DENQBAR generators.

For everyday use in Central European climates, we recommend SAE 10W-40 motor oil for your DENQBAR inverter generator. Of course, you can also use higher-quality oils such as SAE 5W-40 or SAE 10W-50. In general, it is sufficient to follow the SAE standard; for those who want more details, they can also consider the ACEA A3/B4 and API-SL specifications.

2.2. Mineral vs. Synthetic Motor Oil

Motor oil is divided into mineral, synthetic, and semi-synthetic variants. Mineral oil is cost-effective but offers less optimal properties for modern engines. Synthetic oil is chemically optimized and provides better lubrication and high-temperature properties. Semi-synthetic oil combines the advantages of both variants and is a good choice for DENQBAR generators, as it offers a good price-performance ratio.

For DENQBAR generators, semi-synthetic oil is ideal. It ensures optimal performance and protects the engine under varying conditions. Pure mineral oil is unsuitable, while fully synthetic oil is not absolutely necessary for the best performance.

We hope this brief excursion into the world of gasoline and motor oil has been informative and helps you choose the right operating fluids for your needs, ensuring your DENQBAR generator continues to run optimally and efficiently! Still haven't got an independent generator for camping, outdoor activities, or emergency power? Then find the right model here: